Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, significant property damage, and even loss of life. Due to their sheer size and weight, trucks pose a greater risk on the road than smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, proving negligence is critical to securing fair compensation. At Thiry & Caddell, we help victims navigate the complex legal landscape to ensure they get the justice they deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents occur for various reasons, often due to driver error, mechanical failures, or external factors. Understanding these causes can help victims build a strong case against the negligent party.

1. Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes exceeding the legally permitted limits. Fatigue can impair reaction time, judgment, and concentration, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, some companies pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines, leading to exhaustion and drowsy driving.

2. Distracted Driving

Distractions are a common cause of truck accidents. These distractions can include:

Texting or talking on the phone
Eating or drinking while driving
Adjusting GPS or in-cab entertainment systems
Looking at billboards or scenery instead of focusing on the road

3. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks require longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers speed or drive recklessly, they increase the chances of rear-end collisions, rollovers, and loss of control. Speeding also reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it harder to avoid sudden road hazards.

4. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies must perform regular maintenance on their vehicles. Failure to check and repair essential components like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to dangerous malfunctions. Some common maintenance-related issues include:

Brake failure
Tire blowouts
Steering malfunctions
Faulty headlights or taillights

5. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Improper loading of cargo can shift the truck’s center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents. Overloaded trucks can also put excessive pressure on brakes and tires, leading to failures and crashes. Federal laws regulate truck weight limits, but violations still occur due to cost-cutting measures.

6. Driving Under the Influence

Some truck drivers operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication, impairing their ability to drive safely. Even legally prescribed medications can cause drowsiness or delayed reaction times, making driving dangerous.

7. Inadequate Training and Experience

Operating a commercial truck requires specialized training. Unfortunately, some trucking companies put unqualified drivers on the road to meet demand. A lack of training can lead to improper braking, incorrect turns, and failure to follow traffic laws, all of which contribute to accidents.

8. Hazardous Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and bad weather conditions can make truck driving hazardous. However, truck drivers are responsible for adjusting their speed and driving behavior to accommodate road conditions. Failing to do so can result in liability for accidents.

How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case

To receive compensation for a truck accident, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused the crash. Here are the essential elements of proving negligence:

1. Establish Duty of Care

All drivers, including truck drivers, have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws. Trucking companies also have a duty to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and their drivers are adequately trained.

2. Show Breach of Duty

You must demonstrate that the truck driver, trucking company, or another responsible party failed to uphold their duty of care. Examples include:

A driver violating hours-of-service regulations
A company failing to conduct routine truck maintenance
A cargo loader not securing freight properly

3. Prove Causation

It must be clear that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. This can be done using evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.

4. Demonstrate Damages

Victims must show they suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Keeping detailed records of all accident-related costs is essential.

Key Evidence to Strengthen Your Case

Gathering solid evidence can significantly improve your chances of winning a truck accident claim. Some key pieces of evidence include:

Evidence Type	Importance in Proving Negligence
Police Reports	Provide an official record of the accident and initial fault assessment
Eyewitness Testimonies	Support claims about driver behavior and accident details
Truck’s Black Box Data	Records speed, braking, and other critical driving metrics
Maintenance Logs	Show whether the truck was properly maintained
Driver Logs	Confirm if the driver followed hours-of-service regulations
Surveillance Footage	Captures the accident and surrounding events

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you are involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:

Seek Medical Attention – Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Call the Police – An official police report can be a valuable piece of evidence.
Gather Evidence – Take photos, collect witness contact information, and document the accident scene.
Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid making statements that could be used against you.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer – A skilled lawyer from Thiry & Caddell can help you navigate the legal process and fight for maximum compensation.

Why Choose Thiry & Caddell for Your Truck Accident Case?

At Thiry & Caddell, we specialize in representing truck accident victims and holding negligent parties accountable. Our experienced legal team will:

Investigate your accident thoroughly
Gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case
Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
Take your case to court if needed to secure fair compensation
Provide personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific case
Offer compassionate support while fighting for your best interests
Work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Thiry & Caddell, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

📞 Call us today at (251) 478-8880 for a free consultation and let us help you get justice.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents and How to Prove Negligence